Agriculture within Victoria’s school curriculum is to come to life to inspire the next generation of farmers through the launch of an online educational and interactive tool connecting farmers with students.
Minister for Agriculture, Mary-Anne Thomas said the Melbourne Foodbowl Virtual Farm would help students understand the key role farmers played in land management and biodiversity, as well as the many career opportunities the agricultural industry had to offer.
Ms Thomas said the Virtual Farm “came to life” through the six-month Farms2Schools program, which was delivered by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and funded through Agriculture Victoria’s Agriculture Workforce Plan.
“Originally designed as a face-to-face program, Farms2Schools pivoted from excursions to online classes due to coronavirus restrictions,” Ms Thomas said.
“Farmers and industry professionals broadcast into classrooms, teaching students from across Melbourne about a range of topics including dairy, chickens and livestock, grains, vineyards, vegetables, nurseries, conservation and landcare,” she said.
“The Farms2Schools project has delivered 240 sessions to almost 10,000 students, highlighting how farmers are at the centre of Melbourne’s foodbowl and strive every day to produce sustainable products that support a growing community.”
Ms Thomas said the Virtual Farm could bring those lessons to more students by supporting teachers with plans, activities and resources that aligned with the Victorian curriculum across a range of year levels.
The Melbourne Foodbowl Virtual Farm can be accessed at this PS News link.
